ELF Patrol needs donations to recognise responders protecting Fairland during Christmas
A neighbourhood effort grows into a heartfelt tradition honouring those who work while others celebrate.
What began as a small gesture on 13th Avenue has quickly grown into a full-scale community tradition —one aimed solely at recognising the people who keep Fairland, Northcliff and Berario safe while most residents are unwrapping gifts and carving roasts.
The ELF Patrol, led by head of operations Lauren Ivey, is a volunteer-driven initiative that prepares appreciation parcels — complete with a generous Christmas meal and festive treats — for the men and women who spend December 25 on duty.
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That includes Fairland SAPS officers, the Community Policing Forum (CPF) Victim Support team, fire crews, and the various reaction companies and control-room staff who hold the line while everyone else enjoys the day off.
“We wanted to create a way for everyone to actively take part in something meaningful rather than only expressing support in passing. So more residents could help recognise the sacrifice these teams make every Christmas,” said Ivey.
This Christmas, Ivey highlighted that residents can support the ELF Patrol through financial donations, sponsorships, or by contributing food items used to prepare the appreciation parcels.
“This year, we are aiming for more than 150 parcels. There will be two shifts, shift one will include a handover to Fairland SAPS, whilst shift 2 donations will include deliveries to all reaction companies on Christmas Day.”
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Volunteers are welcome to assist with prepping, packing or helping on the day. We also have a list of items still needed, and residents are welcome to enquire if they’d like to contribute something specific. These contributions make a real difference, especially as many officers, support teams, and reaction staff take some of the food home after their shifts.”
She added that every act of support, big or small, directly benefits the people who keep our community safe on Christmas Day. For more information or to get involved, please contact Lauren Ivey on 065-515-6599 or Carolynne on 084-405-2260.
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